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Reviews in Medical Virology Jul 2024Liver involvement is an unusual yet frequently overlooked dengue complication. Pivotal for an efficient clinical management, the early diagnosis of dengue-associated...
Liver involvement is an unusual yet frequently overlooked dengue complication. Pivotal for an efficient clinical management, the early diagnosis of dengue-associated liver involvement relies on an accurate description of its clinical and biological characteristics, its prognosis factors, its association with severe dengue and its clinical management. We conducted a systematic review by searching PubMed and Web of Science databases for original case reports, cohort and cross-sectional studies reporting the clinical and/or biological features of dengue-associated liver involvement. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021262657). Of the 2552 articles identified, 167 were included. Dengue-associated liver involvement was characterised by clinical features including abdominal pain, hepatomegaly, jaundice, nausea/vomiting, and an echogenic liver exhibiting hepatocellular necrosis and minimal inflammation. Elevated Aspartate Aminotransferase and Alanine Aminotransferase but also elevated bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, increased International Normalised Ratio, creatinine and creatine kinase, lower albumin and prolonged prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin time were prevalent in dengue-associated liver involvement. Cardiovascular and haematological systems were frequently affected, translating in a strong association with severe dengue. Liver involvement was more common in males and older adults. It was associated with dengue virus serotype-2 and secondary infections. Early paracetamol intake increased the risk of liver involvement, which clinical management was mostly conservative. In conclusion, this systematic review demonstrates that early monitoring of transaminases, clinical assessment, and ultrasound examination allow an efficient diagnosis of dengue-associated liver involvement, enabling the early identification and management of severe dengue.
Topics: Humans; Dengue; Dengue Virus; Liver; Liver Diseases
PubMed: 38923215
DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2564 -
Acta Medica Philippina 2024Children with COVID-19 may present with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and liver dysfunction.
BACKGROUND
Children with COVID-19 may present with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and liver dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the type and prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatic manifestations of COVID-19 in children and its association with severity of illness.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was done from inception until January 4, 2021 using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and prepublication repositories with no language restrictions. Studies that reported the demographic and clinical features of children with COVID-19 and provided data on their GI and hepatic signs and symptoms were included. Prevalence of GI and hepatic manifestations were pooled using Stata14.
RESULTS
We included 58 studies with total of 4497 participants. Overall, one-third of children with COVID-19 presented with at least one GI symptom (33.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 23.0, 45.4; I 97.5%; 42 studies, 3327 participants) with abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea each occurring in approximately 20%. Children with severe COVID-19 were more likely to present with GI symptoms (odds ratio 2.59; 95% CI 1.35, 4.99; I 24%; 4 studies, 773 participants). The pooled prevalence of elevated transaminases was 11% for both AST (11.3%, 95% CI 4.9, 19.3; I 74.7%; 11 studies, 447 participants) and ALT (11.2%, 95% CI 7.1, 16.0; I 40.8%; 15 studies, 513 participants). Hepatic findings such as jaundice (2-17%), hepatomegaly (2%) or behavioral changes (2%) from hepatic encephalopathy were variably reported by a few studies.The degree of heterogeneity was not improved on exclusion of studies with poor quality, but markedly improved on subgroup analysis according to geographical region and presence of MIS-C. Studies from China showed that children with COVID-19 had significantly lower pooled prevalence for any of the GI symptoms with low degree of heterogeneity, particularly for diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and abdominal pain, all of which had I of 0%. Those with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) had significantly more common GI symptoms and increased transaminases than those without.
CONCLUSION
One-third of children with COVID-19 exhibit at least one GI symptom and more likely present in those with severe disease. Elevated transaminases were present in 10%. Prevalence of GI and hepatic manifestations were higher among children with MIS-C.
PubMed: 38882920
DOI: 10.47895/amp.v58i7.7054 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2024The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Paediatric Society both advise that all newborns should undergo bilirubin screening before leaving the hospital, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Paediatric Society both advise that all newborns should undergo bilirubin screening before leaving the hospital, and this has become the standard practice in both countries. However, the US Preventive Task Force has found no strong evidence to suggest that this practice of universal screening for bilirubin reduces the occurrence of significant outcomes such as bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction or kernicterus.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous screening compared to visual inspection for hyperbilirubinemia to prevent the readmission of newborns (infants greater than 35 weeks' gestation) for phototherapy.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, ICTRP, and ISRCTN in June 2023. We also searched conference proceedings, and the reference lists of included studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-randomized, cluster-randomized, or prospective cohort studies with control arm that evaluated the use of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) screening for hyperbilirubinemia in newborns before hospital discharge.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodologic procedures expected by Cochrane. We evaluated treatment effects using a fixed-effect model with risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for categorical data and mean, standard deviation (SD), and mean difference (MD) for continuous data. We used the GRADE approach to evaluate the certainty of evidence.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified one RCT (1858 participants) that met our inclusion criteria. The study included 1858 African newborns at 35 weeks' gestation or greater who were receiving routine care at a well-baby nursery, and were randomly recruited prior to discharge to undergo TcB screening. The study had good methodologic quality. TcB screening versus visual assessment of hyperbilirubinemia in newborns: - may reduce readmission to the hospital for hyperbilirubinemia (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.46; P < 0.0001; moderate-certainty evidence); - probably has little or no effect on the rate of exchange transfusion (RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.01 to 14.16; low-certainty evidence); - may increase the number of newborns who require phototherapy prior to discharge (RR 2.67, 95% CI 1.56 to 4.55; moderate-certainty evidence). - probably has little or no effect on the rate of acute bilirubin encephalopathy (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 8.18; low-certainty evidence). The study did not evaluate or report cost of care.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Moderate-certainty evidence suggests that TcB screening may reduce readmission for hyperbilirubinemia compared to visual inspection. Low-certainty evidence also suggests that TcB screening probably has little or no effect on the rate of exchange transfusion compared to visual inspection. However, moderate-certainty evidence suggests that TcB screening may increase the number of newborns that require phototherapy before discharge compared to visual inspection. Low-certainty evidence suggests that TcB screening probably has little or no effect on the rate of acute bilirubin encephalopathy compared to visual inspection. Given that we have only identified one RCT, further studies are necessary to determine whether TcB screening can help to reduce readmission and complications related to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. In settings with limited newborn follow-up after hospital discharge, identifying newborns at risk of severe hyperbilirubinemia before hospital discharge will be important to plan targeted follow-up of these infants.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Bilirubin; Jaundice, Neonatal; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Infant, Premature; Neonatal Screening; Patient Readmission; Bias; Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal; Phototherapy; Term Birth
PubMed: 38804265
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011060.pub2 -
Biosensors May 2024One of the most common problems many babies encounter is neonatal jaundice. The symptoms are yellowing of the skin or eyes because of bilirubin (from above 2.0 to 2.5... (Review)
Review
One of the most common problems many babies encounter is neonatal jaundice. The symptoms are yellowing of the skin or eyes because of bilirubin (from above 2.0 to 2.5 mg/dL in the blood). If left untreated, it can lead to serious neurological complications. Traditionally, jaundice detection has relied on invasive blood tests, but developing non-invasive biosensors has provided an alternative approach. This systematic review aims to assess the advancement of these biosensors. This review discusses the many known invasive and non-invasive diagnostic modalities for detecting neonatal jaundice and their limitations. It also notes that the recent research and development on non-invasive biosensors for neonatal jaundice diagnosis is still in its early stages, with the majority of investigations being in vitro or at the pre-clinical level. Non-invasive biosensors could revolutionize neonatal jaundice detection; however, a number of issues still need to be solved before this can happen. These consist of in-depth validation studies, affordable and user-friendly gadgets, and regulatory authority approval. To create biosensors that meet regulatory requirements, additional research is required to make them more precise and affordable.
Topics: Biosensing Techniques; Humans; Jaundice, Neonatal; Infant, Newborn; Bilirubin
PubMed: 38785728
DOI: 10.3390/bios14050254 -
PloS One 2024Malaria is a vector-borne disease that initially manifests as fever, headache, and chills. The illness could progress to more severe conditions, including lethargy,...
INTRODUCTION
Malaria is a vector-borne disease that initially manifests as fever, headache, and chills. The illness could progress to more severe conditions, including lethargy, impaired consciousness, convulsions, shortness of breath, blood in urine, jaundice, and haemorrhage if left untreated. The risk of contracting malaria is considerably heightened in specific occupational settings, particularly among forest rangers, following frequent exposure to natural habitats. Consequently, advancing the understanding of malaria and emphasising how specific occupational environments (including those of forest rangers) contribute to disease risk and management is imperative.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aims to determine the factors associated with malaria infection among forest rangers by systematically reviewing electronic articles from three databases (EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate).
METHODS
The current review was prepared based on the updated preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. First, three independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of the data collected. The information was then stored in Endnote20 based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles were critically appraised with the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT) to assess their quality.
RESULT
A total of 103, 31, and 51 articles from EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate, respectively, were selected, resulting in 185 unique hits. Nevertheless, only 63 full-text publications were assessed following a rigorous selection screening, from which only five were included in the final review. The studies revealed that several factors contribute to malaria infection among forest rangers. The parameters were classified into sociodemographic, individual, and living condition-related.
CONCLUSION
A better understanding of malaria progresses and identifying its potential risk factors is essential to impact worker well-being. The findings might be utilised to improve malaria infection prevention programme implementations, hence maximising their success. Pre-employment and regular health screenings could also aid in evaluating and identifying potential risks for malaria infection among forest rangers.
Topics: Humans; Malaria; Forests; Risk Factors; Animals
PubMed: 38748721
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303406 -
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation May 2024To provide a comprehensive overview of predisposing factors and clinical-microbiological profile of neonatal corneal ulcer.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a comprehensive overview of predisposing factors and clinical-microbiological profile of neonatal corneal ulcer.
METHODS
The literature search was undertaken in PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases on published papers from inception to May 31, 2023. The included articles were independently assessed for methodological quality using a Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Weighted analysis was utilized, assigning a weight of one to each case report and a weight equivalent to the sample size for the case series/original studies.
RESULT
We included 34 relevant case reports/series and one original study. Seventy-four neonates were enrolled with a boy-to-girl ratio of 1.3:1 and a median age of 17 days (1-27 days). Prematurity and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care (21.6%), congenital horizontal tarsal kink (13.5%), neonatal herpes infection (13.5%), congenital entropion (5.4%), and jaundice (5.4%) were the most common potential risk factors and coexisting conditions. Microbiology evaluation showed positive results in 53.8% (21/39 cases). Viral and bacterial infections were the most common cause, followed by fungal infections. Herpes virus (18.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.9%%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (6.7%) were the most prevalent causative agents. Negative microbiology was significantly more common in neonates with structural abnormalities (14.9%) compared to others (6.8%) ( = 0.01).
CONCLUSION
Based on the findings of reported studies, this systematic review has increased awareness of the risk factors and etiologies that lead to developing corneal ulcers in neonates.
PubMed: 38709200
DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2024.2346246 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Currently, percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are commonly employed in clinical practice to...
BACKGROUND
Currently, percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are commonly employed in clinical practice to alleviate malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ). Nevertheless, there lacks a consensus regarding the superiority of either method in terms of efficacy and safety.
AIM
To conduct a systematic evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of PTCD and ERCP in treating MOJ, and to compare the therapeutic outcomes and safety profiles of these two procedures.
METHODS
CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, CBM, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of PTCD or ERCP for MOJ. The search period was from the establishment of the databases to July 2023. After quality assessment and data extraction from the included studies, Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.3 software.
RESULTS
A total of 21 RCTs involving 1,693 patients were included. Meta-analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in the surgical success rate between the two groups for patients with low biliary obstruction (P=0.81). For patients with high biliary obstruction, the surgical success rate of the PTCD group was higher than that of the ERCP group (P < 0.0001), and the overall surgical success rate of the PTCD group was also higher than that of the ERCP group (P = 0.008). For patients with low biliary obstruction, the rate of jaundice relief (P < 0.00001) and the clinical efficacy (P = 0.0005) were better in the ERCP group, while for patients with high biliary obstruction, the rate of jaundice relief (P < 0.00001) and the clinical efficacy (P = 0.003) were better in the PTCD group. There was no significant difference in the overall jaundice remission rate and clinical efficacy between the two groups (P = 0.77, 0.53). There was no significant difference in the reduction of ALT, TBIL, and DBIL before and after surgery and the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Both PTCD and ERCP can efficiently alleviate biliary obstruction and enhance liver function. ERCP is effective in treating low biliary obstruction, while PTCD is more advantageous in treating high biliary obstruction.
PubMed: 38655140
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1370383 -
Systematic Reviews Apr 2024Leptospirosis, an important zoonotic bacterial disease, commonly affects resource-poor populations and results in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Leptospirosis, an important zoonotic bacterial disease, commonly affects resource-poor populations and results in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The value of antibiotics in leptospirosis remains unclear, as evidenced by the conflicting opinions published.
METHODS
We conducted a search in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for studies. These studies included clinical trials and retrospective studies that evaluated the efficacy or safety of antibiotics for leptospirosis treatment. The primary outcomes assessed were defervescence time, mortality rate, and hospital stays. Subgroup analyses were performed based on whether there were cases involving children and whether there were cases of severe jaundice. Safety was defined as the prevalence of adverse events associated with the use of antibiotics. p scores were utilized to rank the efficacy of the antibiotics.
RESULTS
There are included 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 1 control trial (CT), and 3 retrospective studies (RS) involving 920 patients and 8 antibiotics. Six antibiotics resulted in significantly shorter defervescence times compared to the control, namely cefotaxime (MD, - 1.88; 95% CI = - 2.60 to - 1.15), azithromycin (MD, - 1.74; 95% CI = - 2.52 to - 0.95), doxycycline (MD, - 1.53; 95% CI = - 2.05 to - 1.00), ceftriaxone (MD, - 1.22; 95% CI = - 1.89 to - 0.55), penicillin (MD, - 1.22; 95% CI = - 1.80 to - 0.64), and penicillin or ampicillin (MD, - 0.08; 95% CI = - 1.01 to - 0.59). The antibiotics were not effective in reducing the mortality and hospital stays. Common adverse reactions to antibiotics included Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, rash, headache, and digestive reactions (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and others).
CONCLUSIONS
Findings recommend that leptospirosis patients be treated with antibiotics, which significantly reduced the leptospirosis defervescence time. Cephalosporins, doxycycline, and penicillin are suggested, and azithromycin may be a suitable alternative for drug-resistant cases.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42022354938.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Azithromycin; Doxycycline; Leptospirosis; Network Meta-Analysis; Penicillins
PubMed: 38627798
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-024-02519-y -
Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery :... Jan 2024The approach to patients with choledochal cysts (CCs) remains varied and subject to institutional practices. Owing to the rarity of the disease, the optimal treatment... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The approach to patients with choledochal cysts (CCs) remains varied and subject to institutional practices. Owing to the rarity of the disease, the optimal treatment remains poorly defined, particularly in the adult population. This study aimed to review the literature on adult patients with CCs to evaluate trends of diagnosis and management in Western countries.
METHODS
A literature search of 3 electronic databases was performed on adult patients diagnosed with CCs in Western institutions. A review of published literature was completed with comprehensive screening by 2 independent reviewers. Studies were analyzed, and data on surgical approach, malignancies, and follow-up were collected. Findings are presented in concordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
RESULTS
Of the 3488 articles retrieved, 21 studies evaluated Western adults with CCs for a combined population of 1337 patients. The most common Todani subtypes included types I (64%) and IV (22%). Symptoms at presentation included abdominal pain and jaundice, although many were asymptomatic. Ultrasound was used most frequently for diagnosis, followed by computed tomography and endoscopic cholangiopancreatography. The combined malignancy rate was 10.9%, with cholangiocarcinoma being the most prevalent. Complete extrahepatic cyst resection was standard for type I and IV CCs. Among malignancies, 18.5% and 16.4% were observed in patients with prior resection and internal drainage, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
A significant proportion of patients who undergo resection of CC disease harbor malignancy. Cancer risk seems reduced but not eliminated with complete resection, which remains the standard treatment. Additional studies are needed to standardize guidelines for the diagnosis and postoperative care of patients in Western countries.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Choledochal Cyst; Cholangiocarcinoma; Abdominal Pain; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; Bile Duct Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38353080
DOI: 10.1016/j.gassur.2023.11.007 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2024The use of metformin for treating gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains controversial because it can pass through the placenta. This meta-analysis aimed to compare... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
The use of metformin for treating gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains controversial because it can pass through the placenta. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of metformin and insulin on maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients with GDM.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the impacts of metformin and insulin on both maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients with GDM.
RESULTS
Twenty-four RCTs involving 4934 patients with GDM were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with insulin, metformin demonstrated a significant reduction in the risks of preeclampsia (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.78, < .0001), induction of labor (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.98, = .02), cesarean delivery (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.98, = .01), macrosomia (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.83, = .0004), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.86, < .0001), neonatal hypoglycemia (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.63, < .00001), and large for gestational age (LGA) (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.94, = .007). Conversely, metformin showed no significant impact on gestational hypertension (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.06, = .15), spontaneous vaginal delivery (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.08, = .05), emergency cesarean section (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.16, = .58), shoulder dystocia (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.39, = .27), premature birth (RR 0. 92, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.39, = .69), polyhydramnios (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.54 to 2.30, = .77), birth trauma (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.39, = .56), 5-min Apgar score < 7 (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.68, = .55), small for gestational age (SGA) (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.22, = .62), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.08, = .11), jaundice (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.25, = .24) or birth defects (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.74, = .57).
CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that metformin can reduce the risk of certain maternal and neonatal outcomes compared with insulin therapy for GDM. However, long-term follow-up studies of patients with GDM taking metformin and their offspring are warranted to provide further evidence.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Diabetes, Gestational; Fetal Macrosomia; Hypoglycemia; Insulin; Metformin; Weight Gain
PubMed: 38124287
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2295809